Friday night at Manjit’s Kitchen on Kirkstall Road, only a week before bad news struck.
Robyn Wilson takes her guests to try out Manjit’s, which has been open only since October 2019. Whilst the restaurant is closed, Manjit is offering a takeaway service.
In an otherwise grey vista, Manjit’s kitchen’s welcoming, bright yellow sign stood out, heralding a warmth which materialised when we walked into the building, immediately noticing the pops of colour and charming Indian bells against a fairly minimalist decor.
It was good to see the range of like-minded customers,here to celebrate the end of a working week and begin to wind down towards whatever the week-end would bring. There were students, couples on dates and families. A very positive sign.
We couldn’t fault the service – we were greeted soon as we walked in the door and an extra seat was quickly found for my daughter, despite not having booked for three. The standard of service continued, proving to be fast, efficient and always welcoming.
Manjit came over to help my teenage daughter pick from the menu, because she was searching for something that wouldn’t be too wild and would provide just the right amount of adventure in a curry, to suit her particular taste buds.
I ordered the special of the day, which was roast cauliflower butter masala, onion bhajis and roti. My partner ordered the thali three curry platter with cumin rice, slaw and roti, and my daughter decided on the house dhal roti.
The food was served very quickly, presented beautifully, although I wondered about the seemingly small portions. I needn’t have been concerned. For two females, there was enough food. However, my partner would have eaten more! He loved his korma, as did my daughter!
My onion bhajis arrived on a plate looking like a pile of scribbles, rather than the usual balls, and they were by far the best bhajis I’ve ever tasted, and I’ve tasted a fair few.
We all loved the rotis, too, which were very soft and fluffy. My partner makes his own Caribbean style Trinidad roti from scratch and they are one of our family favourites, but this classic Indian roti was a close competitor for texture and taste.
For dessert, my daughter and my partner ordered rice puddings, which came warm, thankfully for the man of the party, because he’s not a fan of cold rice pudding and it’s abit of a running joke between us. Wherever we go, he always ends up with a rubbish rice pudding. He was so pleased with this one and finished off my daughter’s, too.
We all three ate for just over £40, including sides, drinks, mains and desserts. Manjit’s has to be one of the best value restaurants locally.
When my daughter puts her seal of approval on the music, we know they’re doing something right, together with her agreement that Majit’s is, overall,well worth coming back to. It’s perfect for a light lunch or early evening meal.
It seems that Manjit and her husband Michael made the right decision to move from Kirkgate Market to a venue where they can stay open in the evenings. It has been hard work, but with the help of crowdfunding last year, there is every sign of continuing success.
All photographs by Robyn Wilson.
Editor’s Note: Shortly after Robyn’s visit, changes were imposed which are having a dramatic impact on Manjit and many others in the hospitality business. Manjit is now offering takeaway until the restaurant can be open again:
Food can be prepared hot or chilled for you to reheat at home
Order on 07941183132 or email [email protected]
Online payment available
Drive through collection possible at rear door
Please support Manjit’s and others who are making every effort to continue to provide a service of food to their usual standard – and to keep their businesses running.
